Within the shadow mist, Starlight and June, covered their heads with hoods, were seen walking slowly through the region valley. There was nothing here but black rocky grounds and black dead hollow trees. No life to grow here, without the aid of the sun.

June shivered in concern and worry, held Starlight's hoof tight.

Starlight turned to June, gave her a smile, "It's okay. I'll be here. You'll be fine, I promise." He said calmly, making her smile. He turned to the front, looking at his surroundings, "Everything is how I remembered, and yet... I forced myself to control of my emotions. I'd never bothered by this."

June nuzzled on Starlight's head gently, said: "Because you were afraid. Afraid to be killed. But now no more, you had us. You return to one who you once were. No more, Starlight."

Starlight smiled, nuzzled on June's head gently. Both he and June walked across the plain field. going deeper.

The deeper they had gone, the thicker the shadow fog became until its field becomes a plain of darkness all around. But after a long motion of walking, they had found a gray ruin citadel custard like ancient times of battle, there were signs of weapons left behind, inscription'd stone tablets of each know shadow spell in existence, and an altar with a symbol of a black sphere in golden bar lay out, looking like an orb compass device of some kind.

Starlight surveyed his surroundings, and watched on each of them, and feeling memories flown in his head. As the Equestrian Eliminator, he studied the scriptures to decipher them, and learn how to use each Shadow Magic Spell, and grow stronger to develop a physical body and sharp mind to fight and eliminate targets. Looking back, Starlight believes this place was home to users who knew how to work best in shadow, and now that civilization seems thinned out, and very few know of this place and it's history, to only help teach others the way... of the shadow.

"Where are we," June asked in concern.

Starlight sighed, before answering, "The very depth center of Shadow Nexus where I trained to master my Shadow Magic, and to obtain its power as the powerful soldier. But... I became nothing more then a mercenary, missions to assassinate targets by Grimmore's command. It’s strange of why I had been accepted as powerful soldier."

"He who enters here." An ancient male's voice spoke in deep yet firm.

June gasped in shock, quickly grabbed Starlight's right hoof tight, asked in fear, "What was that?!"

"Are you... worthy," Spoke by the strange voice, "Worthy to understand the 'Truth' of shadows."

"What do you mean? Who are you?" Starlight asked calmly.

"I am... The Voice within The Shadows." The strange voice spoke yet echo across the area. "You can neither see me nor sense me, for I am like a shadow, never exist among the living world, but from a void of shadow."

June gulped, "Do you know him?"

Starlight shook his head, asked calmly: "Why are you speaking to me now? The last time I was here, there was no one but me?"

"At that time, you were under the control of the Dark Elf himself," Voice of Shadow spoke firmly, "However, I sense your shadow skills... 'disarray'. You remain uncertain."

"Yes, it's because I died again, and reborn to be good, freed from Grimmore's service."

"Then tell me... If you are 'free' from Demon God himself, why come and seek here?"

"It's because my Shadow Magic are not working, so I've come to seek the Element of Shadow. Tell me what I must do?"

"Hanzo... The first holder of Element of Shadow, had retired his power yet given the challenge to the one who is worthy to wield its power. Many have tried, yet some managed perform the 'Magic of Shadow'. Yet something about 'you', may hold something special."

"So, will you help Starlight?" Asked June hopefully.

"One who help him, is He himself." Voice of The Shadows answered, "But question remain, is he destined to obtain the true element of shadows?"

The strong current strike the dark mist, right at Starlight and June. Starlight hugged June tightly, protecting her from the mist. A moment later, the silence filled the void, as two Wind Assassins opened their eyes, turned and found nothing, not even the citadel he was at.

"What happened? Where are we?" asked June.

"The Shadowy Core, a place where one’s consciousness drift between the living and its spiritual," answered the Voice of The Shadows.

"So... We're like... dreaming," asked Starlight, "Or better yet, we're between A Realm of Shadow in-between the two?"

"Correct. It is time you meet your 'True' of the Shadow," explained Voice of The Shadows.

Both Starlight and June were confused by the words of the Voice of the Shadow. The sound of hoof's stepping on the ground is heard from their hears, they looked up, seeing the mysterious figure yet shaped of the stallion. The appearance of the stallion took himself the familiar form that Starlight does not want to see.

June gasped, asked in fear and concern, "Is that...."

Seeing what he couldn't believe in, Starlight shook his head lightly, "It can't be..."

"I am Unit Number 13: The Equestrian Eliminator," spoke Starlight's Dark Alter Ego, “I serve as a soldier, act my assignments within mercenary departments and assassinate my enemies."

"But how..." asked June in both fear and concern, hugging Starlight, "He can't be you, Starlight."

Starlight nodded his head, agreeing with June's statement, asked in concern, "I know... He's me. What's going on?"

"This is the fate of your destiny, the choice you make, will decide it all." Voice of The Shadows spoke, "What I ask is the 'truth', your 'true' self. Are you as you were, a being of light, or a being of dark?"

Thinking of what the Voice of Shadow had said, June asked calmly yet concern, "Are you saying that... two sides... Starlight has to find out of who he actually was?"

"In other words," said Starlight, understanding of what the Voice want, "I had to choose. The one I really want?"

"I had mastered the Power of Shadows, because I had overcome the trials themselves." said Equestrian Eliminator in both cruel and ruthlessly, "Yet you. You allow the emotion to cloud judgement of the mind, as you are now. You are only half of me."

Starlight shook his head hard in denying, protested: "No. I've tried to forget about my death, yet rebirth and loss of my freedom to that monster in becoming you!"

"Yet... You are gifted by the Magic of Shadow, but lost the sight of who you are truly meant to be."

"Are you saying that being you, I won't have lost my Shadow Magic?! Go to Hell, Demon! Grimmore will pay for what he had done to my memory! The best moments with my family!"

Equestrian Eliminator sighed, before he spoke: "Deny all you want, my Light, but you must choose what you truly are: Control of Shadows by Old Life or the Careless by New Life. If you do not seek the Power of Shadow, the you shall return as you once were: a weakling. And if you truly accept it, will you handle the mix portion of Light yet Dark?"

This made Starlight stare in surprise shock, if he walks away to have an average life again, he'll never obtain the power of the shadow element. But if he acquires it, what if the dark portion makes him go back to being an agent of Grimmore? Both choices seem like it gives balance of which is greater and which is less. Starlight felt lost for words to answer this riddle.

Starlight noticed a bright light on his mind... He saw himself: a young colt, playing with filly Twilight, yet events that never happened happened: Starlight was never be killed by Lorcan and never be taken by Grimmore, they show what life be like if Starlight returns to his days of never being taken. He imagine of adding Twilight in different task, visit her after she had her element, a meeting with Nyx and curing Ben from Demon Pony curse, and more events, and even fulfilling his dream as an explorer to have adventures, it was... a happy life.

Feeling of what he saw yet understand the concept of another side, none of the event of his darkest time could exist. He even imagine of what happened if he was not Equestrian Eliminator, unable to spy on Twilight's progress and journey from 'End of Equestria', only death she will had. And even in the event of Changelings' attack and invasion on Great Fairy's Temple, Starlight will eventually learn the truth of him... and his true family.

"Starlight..." asked June in concern, watching Starlight thinking about his choice...

"Freedom? Enslavement? These things... we're experiencing on different events, if we astray from our own paths..." said Starlight.

Equestrian Eliminator silently nods of what his good self had said is true.

"Have you come to your decision? The one that is the ‘real’ you within the shadows?” asked Voice of The Shadows.

"I have, and the real me is..." said Starlight, knowing what he wants, especially of what June had told him about, "The both of us."

"Hugh?!" June and Equestrian Eliminator gasped by Starlight's answer.

"Interesting..." said the Voice of the Shadow, "Both... you say? Are they really you? Why?"

"Because we are two sides of the same coin. Light and Dark, cast a shadow of the path they follow," explained Starlight, "A dark half is mercenary assassin, and a light is an adventure explorer. If they co-exist together, both balance one another. So what I've gain is the help. I won't sacrifice either Light or Darkness."

"Are you certain? You hate me because I remind you of your darkest life under Grimmore's rule," questioned by Equestrian Eliminator.

"Yeah.. I do had some issues with Grimmore, but it doesn't mean I had to blame you. You are part of me. At first, I was scared and anger, but now I am not."

"Really? How?"

Starlight placed his hoof on June's right shoulder, hugging her gently. He nuzzled on her, before he kissed her, "A wise mare once told me: 'If you're not on Light or Darkness, then you should be in middle... A Twilight'. So, we can work together, we can balance our good and bad, and make the shadow whole."

Hearing of what Starlight had said, June sniffed happily, feeling both joy and proud of it.

Feeling shock yet surprise, Equestrian Eliminator stared at his other half who had made something... unthinkable yet impossible. But at the same time, he smiled, knowing Starlight was right, Both he and Starlight are the same, and never meant to be separated.

The strange orb appeared in between Starlight and Equestrian Eliminator. It flashed a bright light, creating their shadows, spinning across left and right, until they reach the center middle. The orb glowed with bright neon shadow colors, glaring yet making both Starlight and Equestrian Eliminator yelped. Lifted up, their shadows merging together, and then their bodies magically glowed as particles, fusing a one. When the flashy stuff was over, one being emerged from the light. Starlight Sparkle opened his eyes in seeing what had transpired.

June gasped. She smiled happily, galloping towards Starlight. She jumped, hugging him tightly. They both smiled together, giving each other a kiss.

"Well done. You have pass the greatest test that for any user of shadows had..." Voice of the Shadows said, "Understanding where they stand of a light, and its brother: dark. United and balanced as one..."

Starlight smiled, "Yeah. I now know that the Shadow Magic I had used for evil... can be used for goodness. And I will accept that path."

"And therefore... You are... the True Successor of Hanzo Hattori, as the Holder of the Element Of Shadow," declared by the Voice of The Shadows declared, "Now go, show the world of who you truly are, not of one from either light or dark, but the center."

A strong force of much shadow force, swirling uncontrollably on both Starlight and June. Sending them out to the next location. For the moment later, both Starlight and Jun, found themselves back to the shrine.

"We're back to the shrine?" June asked in surprise.

"Well, you both certainly had some time? What happened," asked Eins' voice.

Starlight checked and surveyed on his body and June, seeing and feeling that they were perfect in health of mental and physical. He felt his body stronger than before, yet strangely like he received something within his mind and body. He felt his reflexes were faster, swifter, quicker, stronger, mightier yet more powerful than before.

"My Magic... I can feel it..." said Starlight, amazed by the event, "The Shadow Magic... They're in balance of Light and Dark."

"Then... That means..." Hopefully, June said.

Eins' voice chuckled, "Well. What do you know?! Unlike anyone who use it for Evil, you and Hanzo are the right user for it, for good. Well done, Signore (Sir)!"

Starlight nodded his head gently, said, "Good point... I finally know who I'm meant to be... I won't be afraid of Grimmore anymore. Coz I've got something that he doesn't had before..."

June and Eins' ring looked at Starlight's serious yet firm expression. Starlight closed his eyes, imagining yet recalling the images of all of the Mane Six, Ben Mare, Nyx, Spike, Phobos, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Shining Armor, his parents, June, Altair, Ezio Auditore, Al-Mualim and others he knows of.

Starlight smiled, answered: "Family and friends. No matter where we are, we'll have each other's backs."

Eins' voice huffed, "Well, there's something you don't hear everyday..."

Starlight smiled, "I still want to have my adventures, explore and across the land, sea, air and stars. But... I'm not going alone, coz I had someone or ponies I know of... Whenever they're in trouble, Wind Assassins and me, will be there for them. We'll work together and defeat Three Lords of Equestria. I'll make sure that Grimmore feel the wrath of Wind Assassins."

June smiled, hugging Starlight gently, said: "I'll be there for you. And so as the Wind Assassins. Al-Mualim was right about you. You are indeed the one to control the Element of Shadow. But..."

"But?"

"You had to make decision. A decision where you had to choose after your redemption."

"What do you mean? Is this something had to do with my... power and dark-self?"

"Yes. But Al-Mualim will talk with you when we return home. But for now, we need to help our allies, at once!"

"Humph hmm... June's right. Whenever our folks need help, we'll be there to save the day," Eins' voice said proudly.

Starlight nodded his head, said: "Right. Hold on tight with me."

June held tight on Starlight's back, readied to go.

"Shadow Vanisher!" cried Starlight.

Starlight's body glowed and covered by darkness, affecting on June as well. Both molted to the pond-like on the ground.

On Twilight and her friends, Demon Knights continued attacking and charging at them. The heroes and heroines fought back hard, punching, kicking, fighting through the use of their swords and magic abilities, back at their enemies hard.

Altair and Malik continued throwing their knives at several Demon Knights. Both Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle fired their Unicorn Bursts at their enemies.

"Sword Beam," exclaimed Ben.

"Wind Slice," exclaimed Flash.

Holding his sword, Ben's Master Sword launched powerful golden blasts. Flash's Spear of Wind, swinging his spear hard and swift in creating the transparency blade on its top spear blade before swung at his enemies. Ben's Sword Beam blasted and destroyed most of his enemies, and Flash's Wind Slice slashed and killed his.

More Demon Knights, charging in, and preparing to finish them off.

"We're running out of our throwing knives," exclaimed Malik in concern.

"Then, we shall died in the battlefield, with honor," Humbly, Altair said.

Twilight sighed in upset, "And I thought we could spent some quality time with Starlight. But now... It's over..."

Shining Armor nuzzled on Twilight's head gently, said: "Well, at least we both get some great time together."

Twilight smiled gently.

"Things could have gotten well," said Flash in his disappointment, "But now... We'll be dead."

"At least, we get some great time together. After all, you managed to become the Holder of Element of Wind," joked Ben.

Flash smiled gently. As Demon Knights approached with their arms on weapons, Altair, Malik, Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Ben and Flash held theirs, preparing to make their final stands.

Before any of them could do, Demon Knights had froze up like something had made them stop. Twilight and her friends noticed it. They gasped in shock, seeing their enemies' shadows were trapped and pulled by another shadow. They looked up and encountered the familiar characters. Demon Knights' shadows turned to their back, making them turned as well and faced the one who is responsible of their imprisonment.

Starlight narrowed his anger eyes at his enemies, said firmly: "You've made the biggest mistake, pals. Never hurt my family and friends. Shadow Spears!"

The dark and shadowy form of spears appeared on midair, Shadow Spears, he held his head up before thrust himself in front of him. Shadow Spears fired right at the Demon Knights. Piercing and striking on their faces, helmets, bodies and limbs hard, making them screamed and yelled in pain. The enemies fell to the ground, leaving one enemy live: a captain.

Starlight galloped and charged right at his enemy. He jumped high, and lifted his left hoof up, revealing the darker yet purplish demonic Hidden Blade, with the symbol of Shadow, which consist of crimson circle, with four curved spikes on top while bottom is the blade.

"Shadow Hidden Blade!" exclaimed Starlight, piercing his blade at the Demon Knight's Captain to the ground hard. Starlight stood up and looking at his enemy, laid on the ground. He closed his enemy's eyes down and said, "Rest in Peace..."

Starlight stood up, along with June, coming towards her friend. Twilight and Shining Armor galloped towards their younger brother, as they gave him a big hug.

"You did it, Starlight, you did it!" Happily, Twilight said.

Shining Armor chuckled, "Nice work, little bro. You saved our guts."

"No problem," Starlight smiled gently.

Altair and Malik approached to Starlight, making both him and June turned to them. They both bowed to their Assassins' commanders.

Malik bowed, "I hope you can forgive my rudeness and grudge against you, Starlight."

Starlight smiled, helped Malik to stand up. He said, "It's okay. I paid the price for hurting innocents. I won't stop until all of Demon Knights are killed."

"Indeed. I agree with you, brother."

Starlight bowed before Malik. Malik bowed before Starlight.

June sighed, commented: "It's about time you to accept him, stubborn old dog."

Everyone in the temple, laughed together in happiness and joy. Their mission of retrieving the Element of Shadow was the success. Once again, Demon Knights had failed... Or was it...

Within the secret Dungeon of Canterlot, Demon Knights have been gathered near a strange, large, demonic looking mirror, with lit torches. The mirror swirled for the moment, before evil flames are seen from it’s surroundings. The appearance of feared and powerful Demon God among the Equestria appeared on the reflection Grimmore himself.

Rodrigo bowed, spoke humbly, "Lord Grimmore. Our spies and soldiers had failed to retrieve the Element of Shadow. It seems that our former Assassin had succeeded."

Robert nodded his head gently, "His lost Shadow Magic had been restored. But not only that, master, he's different yet stronger than before."

"Tell us, oh Great one," Cesare begged in concern, "What could this mean?"

"Has the plan failed?" asked by black and crimson Unicorn dressed in her reddish dress: Lucrezia Borgia.

Grimmore chuckled lightly, making Demon Knights looked confuse yet concern, explained: "So, he actually managed to retrieve his powers?"

Rodrigo looked concern yet surprise, questioned his master, "My lord. You knew it?"

"Naturally, Grandmaster Borgia. My plan is simple: recreate the innocent boy as my perfect and powerful Assassin that no one and not even Mystic Ponies could defeat him easily, unless one or couple had proven stronger and quicker than he is. I had hope he could achieve it. Proven that Hanzo Hattori's Theory of becoming his Successor was wrong. But... Dark Curse was right. Only one understand the true meaning of 'Shadow'. But nevertheless, I had envisioned of what I know and believe in."

Robert huffed angrily, "Unfortunately, Starlight had proven himself stronger and efficient than we realize. But my lord, he had proven himself stronger than Dark Curse's Assassins. It could mean our disaster."

Cesare nodded his head, agreeing with Robert's concern, said: "Not only that, he could kill us with one swipe."

Rodrigo remained bowing before his master, "So, should we execute him?"

Grimmore scoffed calmly, "Leave him be." His words had made Demon Knights confuse and concern. He continued, "Whether he fights against me or my allies, everything has gone according to my plans. The true bigger picture has been set, including my return. Proceed with the plans, Borgia."

Rodrigo nodded his head gently, said: "As you wish, my lord, both Carlo and Takesteal are almost done with their encryption codes of our final piece: the Forbidden Knowledge, hidden from our reach. Using your Forbidden Staff and Knowledge as one, we shall find the Vault. We shall open it since Hanzo had kept the secrets and hidden powers beneath in that area. It holds an answer that will free your imprisonment."

Grimmore smiled, "Good... I expect no less of disappointment. Do not make mistake as before, Rodrigo, especially that involved the Great Fairy's Temple, which you realized that you had been misinformed to believe that Great Fairy's Powers could freed my imprisonment."

"I will not, my master. By the name and law of Grimmore, we serve and obey. Hail, Demon Knights!" Declared Rodrigo, "May the Demon Father of Understanding guide us."

"May the Demon Father of Understanding guide us," Robert, Cesare and Lucrezia said.

"Soon... The world will fear me," Said Grimmore calmly, "My powers... is limitless. Without Element of Light, nothing can stop me... Pitiful Mystic Avatar..."

Grimmore laughed and chuckled evilly, echoed across the dungeon, knowing his plan will come to fruition.

Within the Chamber of Nothingness, Smaug or Superior had some chatting and discussion with Dark Curse.

"Tell me, Dark Curse," Calmly, Superior asked, "Why do you wish to test Starlight when he was our side? Do you know that he had betrayed us before the event had begun?"

Dark Curse nodded his head, "Thanks to Tao, without letting Grimmore notice or realize the truth of his plan, the Light of Photograph had slowly awaken Starlight to be aware of the truth and his origin before his mission against Twilight and her friends and betrayal. That is why I had sent Demon Assassin and Assassins Six to toy with him, and of course retrieve what does not belong to him."

Superior nodded his head, "Well done as always. Absorbing Starlight's power to Demon Assassin, since he was the true Equestrian Eliminator and Second Successor of Holder of Element of Shadow, before Grimmore created his own. How amusing..."

"Indeed. Now that his Dark Shadow Power belong to Demon Assassin. Starlight will know the true powers of him."

"Indeed. And tell me, the Vault holds the answer we seek. Will it help us?"

"No, it does not. None is about giving answer but message to the 'twos'. But matters not, let Rodrigo failed. I believe someone is worthy as you once were from Demon Knights Order."

Superior chuckled lightly, "Yes... I should have given my position to the boy before I left the Order and build my true organization. Only one who knows on both sides. Until then, we watch and learn of the event."

Dark Curse smiled, "Indeed..."

The battle continues...

To be Continued...

Author's Note

Reference and Originally Ideas:

1) Assisted by VISION-KING for how Starlight gain his Element of Shadow, and Grimmore and Demon Knights for plans, though I edited some to make it more efficient and effective as well.

2) Originally, I want Altair to be Flash's older brother. But I decide not to, it would create complication and awkward. So, I made him as distant cousin of Flash than a brother.